Private Pamukkale tour from Antalya: Hierapolis and thermal pools

White terraces, ancient tombs, and a bath in water that has drawn visitors for two thousand years

A private tour from Antalya to Pamukkale and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hierapolis, with a licensed English-speaking guide, entry to both sites, lunch and an open-air thermal pool. The day covers the travertine cascades that give Pamukkale its name, the necropolis filled with sarcophagi, the theatre, cathedral and St. Philip's tomb, then ends with a soak in the hot springs that have been used as a spa since the 2nd century B.C.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Pamukkale and Hierapolis ruins

• Discover Pamukkale travertines
• Visit historical sites in Hierapolis
• Enjoy hot bath at open air pool

The experience

The distance from Antalya means an early departure and a late return, but the day itself breaks into three parts. First comes the travertine terraces of Pamukkale: the white mineral cascades that look like a frozen waterfall and are the reason the site is called the Cotton Castle. Then you move into Hierapolis, the ancient Greco-Roman city that sits on the hot springs causing those cascades. A licensed English-speaking guide walks you through the highlights: the large necropolis packed with sarcophagi, the main street with its gates and latrines, the theatre, the cathedral, and the tomb of St. Philip.

Lunch is included partway through, and the day ends with time in an open-air thermal pool fed by the hot springs themselves. These waters have drawn people seeking healing since the 2nd century B.C., and you get to experience what made the site a destination for two millennia. The vehicle is air-conditioned, parking is covered, and entry to both Pamukkale and Hierapolis is included in the price.

What’s included

• A licensed English-speaking guide leads the day.
• entry tickets to Pamukkale and Hierapolis are included.
• lunch is provided.
• you travel in an air-conditioned vehicle with parking covered.
• pickup and drop-off from your hotel are arranged.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 07:00, 07:30 and 08:00Last departure this season: 31 Dec

Book up to10h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPets welcomeNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by SOLYMOS TRAVEL

Is this one for you?This tour is built for small groups of five to six people traveling together: families or friends who want a private guide and vehicle for the day rather than joining a larger group. The early start and late return are what fit both Pamukkale and Hierapolis into a single day from Antalya, so plan for a full commitment but a complete experience.

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Top questions

What exactly are the white terraces at Pamukkale?

Pamukkale's travertine cascades are mineral deposits left behind by hot spring water flowing down the mountainside, creating the white terraces that look like a frozen waterfall. The site is called the Cotton Castle because of their appearance.

What will I see at Hierapolis?

Hierapolis is an ancient Greco-Roman city where you'll walk through a large necropolis filled with sarcophagi, the main street with gates and latrines, a theatre, a cathedral, and the tomb of St. Philip. The ruins sit directly on the hot springs that feed Pamukkale's terraces.

Do I get to swim in the thermal pools?

Yes. The tour includes time in an open-air thermal pool fed by the hot springs. These are the same waters that have been used as a spa since the 2nd century B.C.

How long is the full day?

The tour runs about 10 hours from Antalya, though the total time including pickup and return can reach 12 hours depending on your hotel location. The early departure and late return are necessary because of the distance.

What's included in the price?

Entry tickets to both Pamukkale and Hierapolis, lunch, an air-conditioned vehicle, parking fees, and a licensed English-speaking guide are all included. Pickup and drop-off from Kundu, Lara and surrounding hotels are part of the booking.